2022 US-Ireland Research Innovation Awards: shortlist announced

Established in 2015, these awards recognise excellence in research innovation, creation, process and invention by organisations, as a result of US Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Ireland. The awards are sponsored by BT Ireland and EY Ireland, and the Irish Times is the media partner. 

The projects nominated for the 2022 US-Ireland Research and Innovation Awards range from Artificial Intelligence, to Energy sustainability, Transforming the Future of Work, Neuromorphic Sensing, and much more. Bank of America Europe, Boston Scientific, Xperi, Janssen Services, Maynooth University, Microsoft Ireland, Pfizer and Stryker are among the companies shortlisted to compete for the top awards across three categories: Innovation in Sustainability; Innovation in Talent Development; and Innovation in Enabling Technology. 

The winners of the 2022 US-Ireland Research and Innovation Awards will be announced at the AmCham Annual Dinner and Innovation Awards event in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin 4 on 20 May 2022.

 “Ireland has a global reputation as a centre of innovation and talent,” says AmCham Chief Executive, Mark Redmond. “These Awards, first presented in 2015, have shone a light on the impact that US companies have on driving cutting edge-research in Ireland, with global impact, both through their own teams and in partnership with SMEs and research and education institutions.”

“The introduction of awards for Innovation in Sustainability and in Enabling Technologies will recognise the impact that Irish-based teams are having on two areas of critical challenge and opportunity for the global community.” said Mark Redmond, “The award for Innovation in Sustainability will recognise a team demonstrating transformational change in environmental, economic, or social sustainability. An organisation who can show outstanding innovation in technologies that drive digital engagement will be the recipient of the 2022 award for Innovation in Enabling Technologies.  And the award for Innovation in Talent Development recognises an organisation for their outstanding performance in managing, promoting creativity and collaboration in the key area of development of talent, a priority area for all of our member companies at the moment.”   

Dr Mary Canning, president, Royal Irish Academy says:

“Since 2015, the Royal Irish Academy’s collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce on the US-Ireland Research Innovation Awards has demonstrated our core value of recognising and celebrating excellence in research innovation.  We are delighted to collaborate once again on the 2022 Awards and to focus our attention on innovation in the key areas of sustainability, enabling technologies and talent development.” 

Professor Brian Norton, Chair of the judging panel for the 2022 US-Ireland Research Innovation Awards said

‘In the assessment process to date, the judging panel have been very impressed by the quality and novelty of research innovations taking place in Irish operations with the support of US FDI. The innovations presented to us demonstrate a rich tapestry of pioneering projects that are impacting lives now and will impact well into the future. These awards provide an opportunity to share and celebrate these extraordinary achievements and their future ambitions.’ 

Speaking about BT Ireland’s sponsorship of the Awards, BT Ireland’s managing director, Shay Walsh says:

“At BT Ireland, we’re driven by a passion for technology innovation, nurturing new talent and pioneering sustainable ways of doing business – a passion that is echoed by our multinational customer base here and the partners we work with. That is why we are proud to support AmCham Ireland, the Royal Irish Academy and EY on the upcoming Innovation Awards and the AmCham Annual Dinner.”  

“To ensure that Ireland continues to be a global leader in education, innovation and skills, it’s important to recognise and reward excellence and those paving a bright future for our society and these awards support this ambition. I am particularly pleased to see the addition of a new award for Innovation in Sustainability and I look forward to celebrating all of our award winners next month at the annual dinner.”

Frank O’Keeffe, Managing Partner, EY Ireland, sponsor of the 2022 awards, commented:  

“The calibre of shortlisted entries is truly phenomenal and is a testament to the high levels of innovation, creativity and ingenuity we continue to see across international firms located in Ireland.  In EY we work with many of the world’s top multinational companies across a broad range of sectors and we are very aware of the importance they place on driving continuous innovation across talent development, sustainability and enabling technologies. The contribution these businesses continue to each make to the island of Ireland is immense.”

“The world class finalists in these Awards demonstrate the continued excellence required for businesses and indeed society to transform and thrive in the face of great disruption and on-going market volatility.” said Frank O’Keeffe, “On behalf of EY, I would like to extend my most sincere congratulations to those who have been shortlisted and I wish them the very best for the awards in May.”